{a family thanksgiving}

Up until this Thanksgiving, there has only been one other year that we've spent the holiday with family--my parents--since we moved away for grad school. If we were going to go home, we would save it for Christmas, and it was just too far to justify the expense with such a short travel period.

Then a miracle happened. :) My sister and her family moved to the Midwest after her husband completed his medical residency, and now live only 7 hours away! I was thrilled, because I knew that holidays, especially Thanksgiving, would now be possible to celebrate with family.

This year, not only my sister's cute family, but my parents came to our house for the week of Thanksgiving, and it was wonderful. Just imagine 7 kids--6 of which were age 4 and under--running around and completely enjoying each other. They hadn't been together since they were babies (other than Ryan), and it was so fun to see them playing and getting to know each other.

During the week, we ate a TON, shopped, had a girls' day out to see Tangled and have lunch, played games, watched movies, went to cut down our Christmas tree, and ate some more. My parents helped so much with the kids, I was able to go and do a few things on my own, and even sleep in a little bit. It was fabulous. It was also fun to have them at church with us on Sunday. Memorie and I have always maintained that we don't look alike, but I can't tell you how many people thought she was my dark-haired twin. It was crazy. And fun.

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The timing was perfect...my parents were able to see the girls' preschool pow-wow.


Kate and darling baby Eliza


After helping me make rolls...


Three little cousins, snuggled up watching a movie


Playing games and watching football--Ryan loved having these guys play Monopoly with!

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My parents also got all of us (adults included) new Christmas pajamas, snowman-themed. Everyone matched someone exactly--and the kids loved it. One night we opened them up, tried them on, and attempted to take pictures. :) It was quite the feat to try and get that many little kids sitting still and looking at the camera. We actually don't have one like that, lol. They are darling though, and priceless.

All the girls...


Kate, Emma, and Eliza--the only girl cousins!


All seven. Someone was always on the move, usually Henry B.


Another attempt...(still on the move)


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We missed them as soon as they pulled away, and the house seemed so incredibly quiet. We can't wait to get together again!